The Sexualization of Young Girls in the Media

Abstract

As the digital age progresses, children have easier access to more content than ever before. In recent decades, the media have begun to sexualize a certain group more and more—young girls. There is evidence of this everywhere, from television programs, to advertising campaigns, to magazine covers. With young girls being exposed to images of their peers looking like adults, it raises concern for the long-term effects that might come about, particularly pertaining to self-esteem. This thesis will look at examples of sexualization of young girls, and will explore the consequential changing definition of self-esteem and what that means long-term.